On the 27th of August, The DaVinci Institute’s doctoral candidate, Juliette Fourie, stood before her examiners, heart racing and mind focused, as she defended her PhD thesis. Just a few days later, the email she had long been waiting for arrived.
“Dear Juliette, Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that there was unanimous support for the awarding of a Doctorate to you.”
For Fourie, those words carried the weight of years of dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. As she shared on social media, “To describe what I am feeling is overwhelming.”
Her story is not just about academic achievement; it is about community, family, and the power of perseverance.
Acknowledging the Journey
True to her character, Fourie insists that this milestone was never a solo accomplishment. She turned the spotlight on those who supported her from the very beginning.
“I cannot take praise for this alone, so here is my full acknowledgement as it appears in my thesis,” she explained.
In her words of gratitude, she highlighted the role of The DaVinci Institute.
“There is no greater pleasure than giving thanks and appreciation to all those who supported me through this humbling and enjoyable journey. To The DaVinci Institute, which continues to be remarkable, it is an honour to be associated with you as a student and soon as an alumna. Your support has been instrumental in my journey, and I am proud to be part of a community that values and nurtures its students. You are undoubtedly carrying the flag of remarkability high and proud,” she shared.
Transforming the Transport Sector
Fourie’s research was not only academically rigorous, but it was also deeply impactful. Supported by the South African Express and Parcel Association, through the Transport Sector Education Authority, her work tackled pressing challenges in South Africa’s transport sector.
“Thank you to the South African Express and Parcel Association, through the funding of the Transport Sector Education Authority, for providing me with a bursary to publish such vital research. Your support has been crucial in better aligning skills in South Africa’s transport sector, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important field. Sponsoring someone is one thing, believing they can complete a PhD is another,” she says.
Her gratitude speaks to the importance of collaboration between education, industry, and research.
Guided by Mentorship
Every doctoral journey requires a steady hand to guide the process, and for Fourie, this came in the form of her supervisor, Dr Shirley Lloyd.
“To my supervisor, Dr Shirley Lloyd, for your unwavering support and words of wisdom. Your passion for education greatly assisted in achieving the final words of this thesis. Your insight and incredible support helped me think differently and enjoy the research journey more than I ever anticipated,” she says.
This mentorship shaped her research into more than just an academic exercise; it became an enriching and transformative experience.
The Pillars of Support
Behind Juliette Fourie’s academic triumph is a web of family and friends who carried her through the most challenging times.
“My friends, family, and colleagues, thank you for always supporting me. Your presence has made this journey more enjoyable and meaningful. Even though you did not always understand why I would take on such enormous projects during challenging times, you still stood by me, and for that, I am truly grateful,” she acknowledges.
She reserved a special tribute for her mother, Christie Louw, and her brothers, Rudolph and Pieter, who also played their part in her journey.
“To both my late father, Boeta, and father-in-law, Thys, I know you would have been proud, and I longed for you to read all my work and ask me random questions about it,” says Fourie.
Family as the Foundation
Fourie’s deepest gratitude belongs to the three people closest to her heart: her husband and children. “To the other three members of the fabulous Fourie’s: my husband, Cobus Fourie, my daughter, Colette Fourie, and my son, Julian Fourie. You are my whole life. With your support, help, and encouragement, you always turned the impossible into the easy, and you are my biggest cheerleader. This journey never felt lonely with you by my side. May you always be the best you can be, have fun while doing it and go beyond your limits.”
Her acknowledgement captures the essence of what sustains many scholars: love, encouragement, and the belief of those they hold dearest.
A Journey of Faith
For Juliette, this was more than an academic pursuit, it was also a spiritual journey. She concluded her reflections with a heartfelt note: “May God bless you as He has blessed me.”
A Legacy of Remarkability
Juliette’s achievement is not just personal, it reflects the mission of The DaVinci Institute to empower leaders who will shape industries and communities. Her story is a reminder that research is not only about knowledge creation, but also about building futures, transforming sectors, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
Her words echo with humility and joy, and her journey stands as a beacon for future DaVinci graduates.
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